How to Replace Your Turn Signal Relay in a Toyota Corolla

Fixing a broken turn signal can be a simple and relatively easy task that you can perform in an hour or so. The first problem in this job is to figure out exactly what the problem is, then fix it. The following is a list of possible problems in a turn signal not working and starts with the easiest and most probable one for a Toyota Corolla.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Check each turn signal light. Look at the bulb to see if it is burned out. Turn the bulb over and look at the bottom of the bulb and find the brass round area on the base. If this bump is no longer round, then the bulb is no good. Often, instead of a single round bump, you will find two bumps that have flattened and touch each other. While you are looking at the bulb, make sure it is the correct type of bulb for the socket.

   • 2

     Look at the fuses for the turn signal and flasher. These can often be the source of problems with the turn signal lights not working. The fuses are located in the fuses box mounted to the side of the car inside the driver's side of the car under the dash. They are to the left of the steering wheel.

   • 3

     Replace the bad part if either steps one or two found a bad component. After replacing the part, retest the operation of the lights. There may be more than one problem.

   • 4

     Locate the flasher for the turn signals and hazard lights. The flasher relay is under the dash near the steering column. It will be the larger of the square blocks and if you listen and feel for the relay firing when the turn signal activated on, you can find it easily. If the turn signal isn't blinking at all, this method will not work to find the flasher relay.

   • 5

     Pull on the flasher to disengage it from the holder. The connection is quite strong so it may take some pulling. Be careful not to pry on the flasher, as you may break it off inside the holder. Once you remove the relay, replace the flasher with the identical flasher from the dealer or auto parts store.

   • 6

     Evaluate the turn signal switch if none of the other possibilities have resulted in fixing the problem. Remove the steering wheel with a steering wheel puller and then dismantle the covering of the switch and ignition keyhole. Carefully disconnect the wires from the switch and replace it, reconnecting the wires to the exact same place on the replacement.

   • 7

     Reassemble the covering on the steering column and put the steering wheel back on the shaft of the steering column. Start the Corolla and check the operation of all the lights by the new switch.